Meal Planner

Sunday I sat down and planned 10-14 days worth of meals for the coming couple of weeks. This process takes some time and work, but overall I like the outcome of such an endeavor. We not only get a good assortment of meal choices, but we also guard against going to the grocery being unproductive with our purchases. You know what I mean by that... isn't it the worst when you spend over $100 at the grocery and come home to realize that with everything you purchased, very little will make a meal for you and your family. Totally frustrating. So meal planning not only allows my hubby and I to stay on track with our budget (not eating out because we KNOW we have a meal available at home), but it also keeps me away from the dreaded grocery - - - I cannot stand that place! If I can make it where we do not have to go there again until the next pay day, I'll be golden.

Last night we tackled the ready made list of groceries to purchase that I created Sunday night with my meal planning. The hubby and I conquered each aisle together, grabbing the items demanded by the list. For a "To Do List" person like me, this was heavenly... a list to check off items as we put them in our cart.... wow, I am a dork!

Needless to say, we came away with a TON of food, but some yummy meals to look forward to. I originally plotted out the meals on a per day schedule, but I'll only follow this schedule tentatively. If we wake up one morning that chicken is scheduled for the meal that night, and beef sounds better, we'll switch it up accordingly, but AT LEAST I know I have these meals ready and waiting to be prepared. Let's see how I did.

Monday (last night - check): Poppy Seed Chicken, Garlic Bread, Green Beans, and Rice

Tuesday: Broiled Tilapia Parmesean, Italian vegetable medley, and 3 cheese garlic bread

Wednesday (Mr. McGoo night bc I have class): Brauts or Steaks - whichever he chooses

Thursday: Red Beans and Rice, and salad

Friday: Pork Roast, Green Beans, and Mashed Taters

Saturday Lunch: Cuban Sandwiches made from the left over pork roast

Saturday (Mr. McGoo night): Chili

Sunday Lunch: Breakfast food (pancakes, eggs, etc)

Sunday: Burgers and Fries

Monday: Italian Chicken, Biscuits, Pecan Vinaigrette Salad

Tuesday: Italian Chicken Pizza (using leftover meat from night before)

Wednesday (Mr. McGoo Night): Taco Soup

Thursday: Chicken Divan and Rice

Friday: Potato Soup

Saturday: Turkey Tostadas

Sunday: Tacos

Along with all these yummy meals, we purchased a larger variety of snack foods... most are good for you like celery, carrots, fruits, 100 calorie popcorn packs, etc, and of course some lunch and breakfast options for my main squeeze. As we're working out, we're trying to also eat multiple times a day to keep our metabolism up and running. Breakfast, snack. lunch, snack, dinner. So you can say the "pantry" and refrigerator are packed. Here's to hoping I do not have to go to the grocery again until March. he he!

Anyone have any other meal planning tips? My ears are open.